What major academic conferences in 2017 are worth reviewing?

Let me offer a few preliminary thoughts. Most large academic communities hold annual conferences on a fixed schedule. I’m not aware of any conference that broke major news this year (e.g., @Liu Boyang’s ‘WTF?! Has a dark matter particle been discovered?!’), so I’ll just share a minor anecdote. That is the American Chemical Society (ACS) National Meeting held this past August. The ACS holds its national meetings twice a year, and this August’s meeting happened to coincide with the once-in-a-century total solar eclipse visible across the United States (What was it like watching the 2017 solar eclipse in the U.S.?). Yet, let me tell you—chemists are actually quite unexcited about such events; most showed little interest. However, in recent years, you may have occasionally noticed from my science communication pieces that astrochemistry—a highly interdisciplinary field—is gaining momentum. A few years ago, the ACS established a new subdivision dedicated to astrochemistry and began organizing dedicated symposia on astrochemistry at its national meetings. Among these astrochemists, many were eager to observe the eclipse—even though only a partial eclipse was visible from Washington, D.C.

Essential international competitions for students aiming for top-tier universities (the ‘G5’ and Ivy League)—these contests carry exceptional prestige.

USABO — United States Biology Olympiad The USABO is organized by the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE). As medicine, biomedical sciences, and genetics rank among the most competitive undergraduate majors at elite U.S. universities, outstanding performance in the USABO has become a significant advantage in applications to these programs. As the premier biology competition for high school students in the United States, the USABO enriches the life sciences education of nearly 10,000 top-performing students annually. It provides academic motivation, curricular resources, and skill training—enabling students to transcend classroom learning and reach an internationally competitive standard. ・ Registration Information Eligibility: All enrolled high school students, regardless of grade level. ・ Competition Format The contest consists of three rounds: the Open Exam (Round 1), the Semifinals (Round 2), and the Finals (Round 3). After two rigorous written examinations, the top twenty finalists are invited to an on-campus training camp, where they deepen their understanding of advanced biological concepts and hone demanding laboratory techniques during the USABO National Finals. Individual written exam only—no lab component; duration: 50 minutes; format: 50 multiple-choice questions covering cell biology, plant anatomy and physiology, animal anatomy and physiology, animal behavior, genetics and evolution, ecology, and taxonomy. ・ Test Locations In-person exams: Four regional divisions—East China, Central & Western China, South China, and North China—with test centers located at designated schools across each region. Online exams: Require a computer equipped with a webcam and a mobile device (e.g., smartphone). ・ Official Website cee.org/programs-initia... 09 Chemistry-related International Competitions USNCO — United States National Chemistry Olympiad Organized since 1984 by the American Chemical Society (ACS), the USNCO is one of the most influential high school chemistry competitions in the United States. Its mission is to inspire and nurture young people’s interest in—and potential for—studying and researching chemistry. Unlike other chemistry contests, the USNCO stands out unequivocally in terms of prestige. High achievement and participation in the USNCO serve as powerful assets in applications to top-tier universities. ・ Competition Date March 27, 2021 ・ Competition Details Individual written exam only—no lab component; conducted in English; 60 multiple-choice questions; duration: 110 minutes (no breaks). Topics covered include stoichiometry, redox reactions, inorganic compounds, chemical reaction principles, and fundamentals of organic chemistry. UK Chemistry Olympiad The UK Chemistry Olympiad (UKChO) is organized by the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). Headquartered in London and Cambridge, the RSC boasts over 54,000 members and ranks among the world’s most influential chemical academic organizations. As the UK’s professional body for chemistry, the RSC supports and represents its members while uniting chemists from around the globe.

Midland ACS to host free chemistry talks, dinner at Dow Diamond

1 day ago

The Midland Local Section of the American Chemical Society will host a free scientific meeting and dinner at Dow Diamond on October 26, featuring speakers from Dow Inc and Yale University.

Midland Daily News

2026-10-24

Midland ACS to host free chemistry talks, dinner at Dow Diamond

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